Summer Internship Success Tips

For those of you who missed the Shining Through Your Summer workshop earlier this week, this article will recap some of the important tips shared during that workshop to make your summer internship successful. Most importantly, keep in mind your internship is like a 10-12 week interview. Good luck to all doing an internship this summer!

BEFORE the internship:

Contact your supervisor to find out how you should best prepare ahead of time. If possible, find out your project topics and research them.

Network with 2nd years who interned there last summer and Smith alumni who currently work there regarding office culture and expectations.

Inform other employers with whom you met / interviewed during first year recruiting where you will be spending the summer and ask to stay in touch (if interested).

DURING the internship:

Get clarity around your employer’s expectations, including timelines and metrics. Seek clarification when necessary. Deliver early and error-free.

Confirm the parameters of your end of summer project so you can begin working on it immediately.

Volunteer for extra projects if time permits and / or initiate one.

Immerse yourself. Attend all social events and network.

Manage your stress and attitude. How do you handle stress? Do you treat all members of the team as partners, including support staff? Are you positive? Strong work ethic?